He claims "we have won" because growth has been constrained. As one of the old-timers the missive places half way to the nursing home, I would like to remind readers the history and statutory language of open space has more to do with the protection of our waters, lands and native species than with urban shaping per se; more to do with ecological treasures than economic benefits.

The tone of the letter echoes the cant of "environmental modernists" (their words) -- the new hip version of environmentalism emphasizing technology and urbanism. Wild nature is valued for the 'ecosystem services' it provides to people; lands and waters invaded by non-native species are no longer disturbed habitats, they are 'novel ecosystems'; and the idea of wilderness is an anachronism we just need to get over. Restraint is not part of the modernists' vocabulary. A turning inward indeed.

The writer glibly points out "the divide" between his generation and "those who are in their golden years" (again, his words). I have some memories of being 30-something, yet age also has one or two benefits; a modicum of perspective and patience for instance.

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I suppose every generation carries the conceit that they were born in the nick of time. Still, words from the ol' professor, Aldo Leopold, can't help but come to mind, "I am glad I shall never be young without wild country to be young in."

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